Evaluation of Self Medication and other medicine use practices in elderly patients

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Original Article

Author Details : Kavita Jaiswal, Kiran Khaladkar, M.C.Mehta, Neha Moghe

Volume : 5, Issue : 2, Year : 2017

Article Page : 67-73

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Abstract

Introduction: Self-medication means use of medicines by individuals to treat illnesses or symptoms without the advice and monitoring of a physician. Such a practice is common in elderly because of multiplicity of disorders and is also of great concern, since the drugs act differently due to age related changes, increasing the risk of adverse events.
Objectives: To evaluate knowledge, attitude and practices of self-medication & other medicine use in elderly patient.
Material & Methods: A cross sectional, questionnaire based study conducted in a tertiary care teaching hospital in patients aged 65 years and above.
Results: 82 respondents reported having used self-medication. Rural population with low socio-economic status were commonly practising self-medication. Since self-medication was practised for minor illnesses most commonly used medicine were antipyretics, antitussives and analgesics. Respondents lack knowledge of dose, duration and adverse -effects of medicines. Most common reasons reported for self-medication were time saving and economical.
Conclusion: Self-medication is commonly practised by elderly for minor illnesses. Educational intervention should be given to this population to strongly discourage the same. Strict law enforcement regarding dispensing of medicines will be important tool to curtail this practice.

Keywords: Questionnaire based study, geriatric patients, self-medication, over the counter drugs

 

How to cite : Jaiswal K, Khaladkar K, M.c.mehta, Moghe N, Evaluation of Self Medication and other medicine use practices in elderly patients. J Pharm Biol Sci 2017;5(2):67-73

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